Yunjin Mona Lisa smiles in Milan

A yunjin Mona Lisa hailing from China’s Nanjing city attracts many visitors on July 9 in Milan’s Da Vinci Garden, Italy. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A Mona Lisa, weaving by yunjin brocade, lifted its veil on July 9 in Milan’s Da Vinci Garden, Italy. It is right opposite to another masterpiece of Da Vinci – The Last Supper across the street.

The fabric painting hailing from Nanjing city, capital of Jiangsu province, is knitted by yunjin, an expensive fabric and handicraft originated in the city. Twenty-six designers and four senior weaving workers spent six months to build it, which amplifies the original size for 10 times.

“The painting is fabulous. Artists in Nanjing are excellent to reproduce the oil painting masterpiece by yunjin craftsmanship. I have lived in China for 47 years. I love Nanjing and its culture. I hope the Mona Lisa can be on display in Milan for a long period so that more people could get to know the city and its culture,” reacted Andrea Maurizi, president of the China-Italy Design Association (ADCI).

“I appreciate employing yunjin to depict human portrait. It is an innovation for yunjin’s performance. I hope that yunjin design can be used in daily life in the future. Chinese traditional culture can cooperate with modern fashion to improve the living quality,” said Jonny, an interior designer in Milan.

The yunjin Mona Lisa is a special exhibit in Expo Milano 2015 Nanjing Week, a seven-day city promotion from July 7 to 13.